The Red Cross Is Making Sure Everyone Know What To Do In A Crisis

YAKIMA, WA.- It's National Preparedness month and the Red Cross is helping to make sure people know what to do in times of crisis by creating a disaster plan for their home.

Washington is no stranger to natural disasters, after the Oso mudslide, Carlton Complex fires, and most recently the Snag Canyon fires near Ellensburg.

"Our livelihood and experiences, the good times and bad times right here, they're gone, they've vanished, because of a fire," Daniel Koen told us about his home that was destroyed in the Snag Canyon fire.

Often times the cause of these disasters is unavoidable, but Yakima search and rescue told me they've seen too many people lose their homes, because they either aren't prepared or don't take the evacuations seriously. .

"Mother nature is an awesome force whether it be a mud slide or a wildfire the only thing you can really do is get out of mother natures way," George Town with Yakima Search and Rescue told us.

Town says he sees people get so wrapped up in their property and belongings that they forget the basic rule of thumb, to get out of mother natures way. But there are things each home owner can do to keep their homes protected if a fire starts.

"clear out brush and sticks from around your residence to keep fire away if it comes your way," Town told us at KNDO.

They also say each household should have a plan, family members should have a back up way to contact each other, and two separate meeting spots. You should also have a fire evacuation plan and practice your escape route.

The Red Cross has even come out with a new mobile app, that allows you to find shelters near you and check out emergency procedures for all different kinds of crisis situations.

It even allows you to make a step by step escape plan. The app is free and the Red Cross encourages everyone to take advantage of this helpful tool.

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